At the A1 level, you just need to know that '和平' (wahei) means 'peace.' However, you should realize it is not the word you use for a 'peaceful' room. It is a big, serious word for 'peace' between countries. You might see it in simple news headlines. Think of it as 'The end of a big fight.' While you won't use it often in daily life, knowing it helps you understand that Japanese has different words for different kinds of peace. Just remember: 和 (harmony) + 平 (flat/calm) = Wahei.
At the A2 level, you can start to distinguish '和平' (wahei) from '平和' (heiwa). 'Heiwa' is like a 'peaceful feeling' or 'no war.' 'Wahei' is the 'act of making peace' after a war. You can use it in simple sentences like 'They want peace' (和平を望んでいます). You will mostly see this word in newspapers or on TV news. It is a formal noun, so you don't usually say 'wahei-na' like an adjective. Instead, you see it in phrases like 'wahei no hanashi' (talks of peace).
At the B1 level, you should be able to use '和平' (wahei) in its common compound forms. Words like '和平交渉' (peace negotiations) and '和平合意' (peace agreement) are very common in intermediate reading materials. You should understand that '和平' implies a diplomatic process. For example, if two countries are fighting, they might start '和平工作' (peace maneuvers) to stop the war. You should also be comfortable using verbs like 'motomeru' (seek) or 'susumeru' (advance) with '和平.'
At the B2 level, the nuance between '和平' (wahei) and '講和' (kouwa) becomes important. While both relate to ending war, '和平' is the broader diplomatic concept of reconciliation, whereas '講和' is the specific legal act of signing a treaty to end a state of war. You should be able to discuss '和平プロセス' (peace processes) in the context of international relations. You will encounter this word in editorials and formal speeches. You should also understand its use in historical contexts, such as the Sengoku period.
At the C1 level, you should have a deep understanding of the political and rhetorical weight of '和平' (wahei). It is often used by leaders to signal a shift in policy or to appeal to the international community. You should recognize how it is used to frame conflicts—for instance, '和平の仲介' (mediation of peace). You should also be aware of related but distinct terms like '融和' (harmony/blending) and how they differ in political discourse. Your ability to use '和平' in formal writing should be precise, avoiding any confusion with the more general '平和.'
At the C2 level, you should be able to analyze the use of '和平' (wahei) in complex diplomatic texts, legal documents, and classical literature. You understand the historical evolution of the term and its use in various philosophical contexts. You can distinguish between '和平' as a temporary truce and '永続的な和平' (permanent peace). You are also capable of using the word in sophisticated metaphors or in-depth academic critiques of international conflict resolution. You understand the subtle implications of using '和平' over '和解' in high-stakes negotiations.

和平 in 30 Seconds

  • Wahei means 'diplomatic peace' or the 'process of ending a war.'
  • It is a formal noun used in news, history, and politics.
  • It differs from 'Heiwa' (general peace) by focusing on the act of reconciliation.
  • Commonly paired with words like 'negotiation' (koushou) and 'agreement' (goui).

The Japanese word 和平 (wahei) is a specialized term for 'peace' that specifically refers to the cessation of hostilities or the restoration of diplomatic relations between conflicting parties. While the more common word 平和 (heiwa) describes a general state of tranquility or a world without war, 和平 is action-oriented. It implies a transition from a state of war or dispute to a state of agreement. When you see 和平, think of 'peace-making' or 'diplomatic peace.'

Core Concept
The restoration of peace through negotiation or formal agreement after a conflict.

In everyday conversation, you might not use 和平 to describe your quiet weekend at home. Instead, you will encounter it in news reports concerning international relations, history textbooks discussing the end of World War II, or political discussions about resolving civil unrest. It carries a heavy, formal weight that suggests lawyers, diplomats, and treaties are involved.

両国はついに和平への道を歩み始めた。(Both countries have finally started on the path toward peace.)

Understanding the nuance between wahei and heiwa is crucial for advanced Japanese learners. Heiwa is the 'destination' (the state of being peaceful), whereas Wahei is often the 'bridge' (the process of reaching that state). If a news anchor says '和平交渉' (wahei koushou), they are talking about peace negotiations—the active struggle to stop a war.

和平条約を結ぶ。(To sign a peace treaty.)

Historical Context
In Japanese history, '和平' was often the goal of daimyo (lords) seeking to end bloody clan wars through marriage alliances or land exchanges.

Furthermore, the kanji themselves reveal the meaning. 和 (wa) represents harmony, balance, and the Japanese spirit. 平 (hei) represents levelness, flatness, or equality. Together, they suggest a 'leveling of harmony'—bringing two uneven, clashing forces back to a balanced, flat, and calm state.

世界に和平をもたらすための努力。(Efforts to bring peace to the world.)

中東の和平プロセスは非常に複雑だ。(The Middle East peace process is extremely complex.)

Register
Formal, Academic, Journalistic.

To summarize, use 和平 when you are talking about the end of a war, the signing of a treaty, or the formal diplomatic efforts to stop a fight. It is the language of history and the evening news, providing a specific, professional term for the most noble of human endeavors: ending conflict.

Using 和平 (wahei) correctly requires understanding its grammatical role as a noun that often acts as a modifier for other nouns. It is rarely used alone in casual speech. Instead, it forms the backbone of compound terms related to international law and diplomacy.

As a Direct Object
Often used with verbs like 'seek' (求める - motomeru), 'wish for' (願う - negau), or 'achieve' (実現する - jitsugen suru).

人々は一刻も早い和平を求めている。(People are seeking peace as soon as possible.)

When describing the 'process' of making peace, 和平 is frequently followed by koushou (negotiation) or goui (agreement). These compounds are standard in broadcast Japanese. Note that you don't 'do' wahei like a verb; you 'aim for' it or 'negotiate' it.

来週から和平交渉が再開される予定だ。(Peace negotiations are scheduled to resume next week.)

Compound Nouns
和平案 (wahei-an: peace proposal), 和平工作 (wahei-kousaku: peace maneuvers/efforts).

Another common usage is describing the 'path' or 'road' to peace. In this context, wahei is used with 'e no michi' (the road to...). This is a rhetorical device often used by politicians to express hope for the future resolution of a conflict.

和平への道はまだ遠い。(The road to peace is still long.)

国連が和平の仲介に入った。(The UN stepped in to mediate peace.)

Grammar Note
'和平' is a 'suru-noun' only in very specific historical contexts (和平する - to make peace), but in modern Japanese, it is 99% used as a pure noun.

Finally, remember that 和平 is distinct from kouwa (講和). While both mean making peace, kouwa is the legal act of ending a state of war (as in the San Francisco Peace Treaty), whereas wahei is the broader concept of reconciliation and ending the fighting.

You will encounter 和平 (wahei) most frequently in the following four domains. Understanding these contexts will help you recognize the 'vibe' of the word.

1. NHK News and Newspapers
Whenever there is a report on the Middle East, Eastern Europe, or any global conflict zone, the term '和平交渉' (peace negotiations) is used daily. It is the standard journalistic term.

「今日のニュース:両政府が和平合意に署名しました。」(Today's news: Both governments have signed a peace agreement.)

In these contexts, the word sounds objective and professional. It doesn't carry the emotional or spiritual weight that 'heiwa' (peace) might have in a poem; it sounds like a logistical reality.

2. Historical Dramas (Taiga Dramas)
In shows about the Sengoku (Warring States) period, generals often discuss '和平' to save their clans from total destruction. Here, it sounds strategic.

「今は戦う時ではない。和平を申し入れよ!」(Now is not the time to fight. Propose peace!)

In a historical context, wahei often involves 'giving something up' (land, hostages) to stop the bloodshed, highlighting its nature as a bargain.

3. University Lectures and Textbooks
Students of Political Science or International Relations use '和平' to discuss conflict resolution theories. It is a technical term in these fields.

持続可能な和平を築くためには、教育が不可欠だ。(Education is essential to build sustainable peace.)

4. Video Games (Strategy/RPG)
In games like Final Fantasy or Fire Emblem, where kingdoms are at war, characters often talk about '和平交渉' or seeking '和平' to end a long-standing feud.

Whether it's a diplomat in a suit or a samurai in armor, the person saying 和平 is usually someone with the power to influence the fate of nations. It is a word of high stakes and significant consequences.

The most common mistake English speakers make is using 和平 (wahei) interchangeably with 平和 (heiwa). While they share the same kanji, their usage is strictly different.

Mistake 1: Using 'Wahei' for a peaceful mood
Incorrect: この公園はとても和平ですね。 (This park is very 'wahei'.)
Correct: この公園はとても平和ですね。 (This park is very peaceful.)

Reasoning: Wahei is a process/restoration of peace after conflict. A park is just a quiet place, so heiwa (general peace) is the correct choice.

Incorrect: 私の心は和平です。(My heart is at peace.)
Correct: 私の心は平和です。(My heart is at peace.)

Reasoning: Wahei is almost never used for personal, internal feelings. It is an external, political, or social state.

Mistake 2: Confusing 'Wahei' with 'Kouwa' (講和)
While similar, 'Kouwa' is a legal term for concluding a war. 'Wahei' is more general. You 'sign' a 講和条約 (Peace Treaty), but you 'seek' 和平 (Peace).

Mistake: 和平な午後 (A 'wahei' afternoon).
Correct: 平和な午後 (A peaceful afternoon).

Mistake 3: Forgetting the nuance of 'restoration'
If there was no previous conflict, using 'Wahei' sounds strange. It implies that something was broken and is being fixed.

To avoid mistakes, remember that 和平 is like a 'repair job' for peace. You don't 'repair' a sunny day; you repair a broken relationship between nations.

Japanese has several words for 'peace' and 'reconciliation.' Knowing the difference will make your Japanese sound more natural and precise.

平和 (Heiwa)
The general word for peace. Used for world peace, a peaceful life, or a quiet atmosphere.
Example: 世界平和 (World Peace).
講和 (Kouwa)
Strictly refers to the legal conclusion of a war. It is used in historical and legal contexts.
Example: 講和条約 (Peace Treaty).
和解 (Wakai)
Refers to reconciliation or settlement, often between individuals or in a courtroom. It is much more personal than 'Wahei.'
Example: 友だちと和解する (Reconcile with a friend).

Comparison:
1. 和平 - Ending a war (Political)
2. 講和 - Ending a war (Legal)
3. 和解 - Ending a fight (Social/Personal)
4. 平和 - A state of no war (General)

融和 (Yuuwa)
Refers to 'harmony' or 'blending' different groups together. Often used in the context of 'racial harmony' or 'cultural blending.'

By choosing 和平, you are signaling that you are talking about the high-level, diplomatic effort to bring order back to a chaotic situation.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The character '和' is the same 'Wa' used to represent Japan (Wagashi, Washoku), implying that harmony is central to Japanese identity.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /wɑːheɪ/
US /wɑheɪ/
Japanese has pitch accent. For 和平, it is often [0] (Heiban/Flat).
Rhymes With
Kahei (currency) Tahei (peace/tranquility) Sahei (left soldier) Meihei (bright soldier) Teihei (low soldier) Keihei (light soldier) Seihei (elite soldier) Gaihei (foreign soldier)
Common Errors
  • Pronouncing 'hei' as 'hee'. It should be 'hey'.
  • Over-emphasizing the 'wa'. It should be light.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Kanji are common but the context is formal.

Writing 4/5

Writing '和' and '平' is easy, but using it correctly in context is harder.

Speaking 3/5

Easy to pronounce, but rare in casual speech.

Listening 3/5

Common in news; easy to recognize once learned.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

平和 (heiwa) 戦争 (sensou) 和 (wa) 平 (hei) 国 (kuni)

Learn Next

交渉 (koushou) 合意 (goui) 条約 (jouyaku) 外交 (gaikou) 仲介 (chuukai)

Advanced

講和 (kouwa) 融和 (yuuwa) 和解 (wakai) 不戦 (fusen)

Grammar to Know

Noun + 'no' + Noun

和平の交渉 (Negotiation of peace)

Noun + 'e no' + Noun

和平への道 (The road to peace)

Noun + 'wo' + Verb

和平を求める (Seek peace)

Suru-verbs from nouns

実現する (To realize) used with 和平

Passive Voice

和平が望まれる (Peace is desired)

Examples by Level

1

和平をねがいます。

I pray for peace.

Simple noun + object marker + verb.

2

和平は大切です。

Peace is important.

A is B structure.

3

和平のニュースを見ました。

I saw news of peace.

Noun + 'no' + Noun.

4

和平がきました。

Peace has come.

Subject + 'ga' + Verb.

5

和平をさがしています。

Looking for peace.

Object + 'wo' + Present continuous verb.

6

和平の話し合いをします。

We will have peace talks.

Noun + 'no' + Noun + 'wo' + Verb.

7

和平を信じています。

I believe in peace.

Object + 'wo' + Verb.

8

和平が一番です。

Peace is number one (the best).

Subject + 'ga' + Ichiban (Number one).

1

両国は和平を求めました。

Both countries sought peace.

Past tense verb.

2

和平のための会議があります。

There is a meeting for peace.

'Tame no' (for the purpose of).

3

和平への道は長いです。

The road to peace is long.

'E no michi' (the road to).

4

彼は和平を願っています。

He is wishing for peace.

Present continuous tense.

5

和平の合意ができました。

A peace agreement was made.

Noun phrase + 'ga dekimashita'.

6

私たちは和平をサポートします。

We support peace.

Katakana verb (sapooto suru).

7

和平交渉がはじまりました。

Peace negotiations have begun.

Compound noun (Wahei-koushou).

8

和平を維持するのは難しいです。

It is difficult to maintain peace.

Verb nominalization with 'no wa'.

1

政府は和平案を提出した。

The government submitted a peace proposal.

Compound noun (Wahei-an).

2

和平交渉は難航している。

Peace negotiations are running into difficulties.

Nankou (difficult weather/progress).

3

和平を実現するために努力する。

We will make efforts to realize peace.

'Tame ni' + effort verb.

4

和平の仲介役を務める。

To serve as a mediator for peace.

Chuukai-yaku (mediator role).

5

一刻も早い和平が望まれる。

Peace is desired as soon as possible.

Passive voice (nozomareru).

6

和平工作が裏で行われている。

Peace maneuvers are happening behind the scenes.

Ura de (behind the scenes).

7

和平への期待が高まっている。

Expectations for peace are rising.

Kitai ga takamaru.

8

和平合意に署名が行われた。

Signing of the peace agreement took place.

Shomei (signature).

1

和平プロセスを前進させる必要がある。

It is necessary to advance the peace process.

Purosesu (process) compound.

2

和平を模索する動きが活発化した。

Movements seeking peace have become active.

Mosaku (groping/seeking).

3

和平条約の締結が急がれている。

The conclusion of a peace treaty is being rushed.

Teiketsu (conclusion of a contract).

4

和平への障壁を取り除く。

Remove obstacles to peace.

Shouheki (barrier/obstacle).

5

国連が和平維持活動を展開している。

The UN is deploying peace-keeping operations.

PKO (Peace Keeping Operations) context.

6

和平の機運が醸成されてきた。

The momentum for peace has been building.

Kiun ga jousei sareru (momentum is brewed).

7

和平交渉が合意に至った。

The peace negotiations reached an agreement.

Itaru (to reach/arrive).

8

永続的な和平を築くことが目標だ。

The goal is to build a lasting peace.

Eizoku-teki (permanent/lasting).

1

和平の枠組みを再構築しなければならない。

We must reconstruct the framework for peace.

Wakugumi (framework).

2

和平交渉が決裂し、緊張が高まった。

Peace negotiations broke down, and tension rose.

Ketsuretsu (breakdown/rupture).

3

和平へのインセンティブを提示する。

Present incentives for peace.

Katakana loanword 'insentibu'.

4

和平をめぐる多国間協議が開催された。

Multilateral talks regarding peace were held.

Meguru (concerning/surrounding).

5

和平の礎を築くための歴史的な一歩。

A historical step to lay the foundation for peace.

Ishizue (foundation/cornerstone).

6

和平合意の履行状況を監視する。

Monitor the implementation status of the peace agreement.

Rikou (implementation).

7

和平への道を阻む要因は多岐にわたる。

The factors blocking the road to peace are diverse.

Takini wataru (wide-ranging).

8

和平の実現は、地域全体の安定に直結する。

Realizing peace directly links to the stability of the entire region.

Chokketsu suru (direct link).

1

和平交渉の停滞は、さらなる人道危機を招きかねない。

Stagnation in peace negotiations could lead to a further humanitarian crisis.

Kanenai (might/could - negative).

2

和平への模索は、地政学的な思惑に翻弄された。

The quest for peace was toyed with by geopolitical intentions.

Honrou sareru (to be tossed about/toyed with).

3

和平の理念と現実のギャップを埋める。

Bridge the gap between the ideals of peace and reality.

Gyappu wo umeru (fill the gap).

4

和平工作の裏で蠢く利害関係。

Interests writhing behind the scenes of peace maneuvers.

Ugomeku (to wriggle/writhe).

5

和平合意は、脆弱なバランスの上に成り立っている。

The peace agreement is built upon a fragile balance.

Zeijaku (fragile/vulnerable).

6

和平への希求が、歴史を動かす原動力となる。

The yearning for peace becomes the driving force that moves history.

Gendouryoku (driving force).

7

和平交渉の妥結には、双方の譲歩が不可欠である。

Concessions from both sides are essential for the conclusion of peace negotiations.

Daketsu (conclusion/settlement).

8

和平の青写真を描く。

Draw a blueprint for peace.

Aojashin (blueprint).

Synonyms

平和 講和 和睦 安寧 静謐

Common Collocations

和平交渉
和平合意
和平案
和平工作
和平の道
和平条約
和平プロセス
和平の仲介
永続的な和平
一刻も早い和平

Common Phrases

和平を求める

— To seek or demand peace after a conflict.

国民は和平を求めている。

和平を願う

— To wish for peace.

世界中の人々が和平を願っている。

和平が成立する

— For a peace agreement to be established.

ついに和平が成立した。

和平の話し合い

— Discussions or talks about peace.

和平の話し合いが進んでいる。

和平の呼びかけ

— A call for peace.

大統領が和平の呼びかけを行った。

和平に踏み切る

— To take the bold step toward peace.

政府は和平に踏み切った。

和平を拒否する

— To reject peace proposals.

反乱軍は和平を拒否した。

和平への期待

— Expectations for peace.

和平への期待が高まっている。

和平の実現

— The realization of peace.

和平の実現には時間がかかる。

和平の兆し

— Signs or glimmers of peace.

和平の兆しが見えてきた。

Often Confused With

和平 vs 平和 (heiwa)

Heiwa is a state; Wahei is a process/restoration.

和平 vs 和解 (wakai)

Wakai is for personal fights; Wahei is for wars/nations.

和平 vs 講和 (kouwa)

Kouwa is the legal treaty; Wahei is the general concept of making peace.

Idioms & Expressions

"和平の旗を掲げる"

— To literally or figuratively raise the flag of peace to signal a desire to stop fighting.

彼はついに和平の旗を掲げた。

Literary
"和平の使いを送る"

— To send a messenger to propose peace.

王は和平の使いを送った。

Historical
"和平の道を閉ざす"

— To close off the possibility of peace.

その発言が和平の道を閉ざした。

Formal
"和平の礎となる"

— To become the foundation upon which peace is built.

彼の死が和平の礎となった。

Honorific
"和平を装う"

— To pretend to want peace while planning something else.

敵は和平を装って近づいてきた。

Strategic
"和平の果実"

— The benefits or 'fruits' resulting from peace.

人々は和平の果実を享受した。

Poetic
"和平の懸け橋"

— A bridge (person or action) that connects two sides for peace.

彼は両国の和平の懸け橋となった。

Metaphorical
"和平の灯を消さない"

— To not let the flame of peace be extinguished.

私たちは和平の灯を消してはならない。

Rhetorical
"和平の糸口を見出す"

— To find a clue or starting point for peace negotiations.

ようやく和平の糸口を見出した。

Formal
"和平に背を向ける"

— To turn one's back on peace; to refuse peace.

独裁者は和平に背を向けた。

Critical

Easily Confused

和平 vs 平和

Both translate to 'peace.'

Heiwa is the general state of tranquility. Wahei is the specific act of ending a war.

平和な世界 (A peaceful world) vs 和平交渉 (Peace negotiations).

和平 vs 和解

Both involve 'making up.'

Wakai is used for individuals or legal settlements. Wahei is used for nations or warring factions.

夫婦の和解 (Reconciliation of a couple) vs 中東の和平 (Peace in the Middle East).

和平 vs 講和

Both end wars.

Kouwa is a formal, legal term for the treaty ending a war. Wahei is the broader diplomatic process.

講和条約 (Peace treaty) vs 和平プロセス (Peace process).

和平 vs 休戦

Both stop fighting.

Kyuusen is a temporary pause (ceasefire). Wahei is a permanent goal of reconciliation.

休戦協定 (Armistice agreement) vs 和平の実現 (Realization of peace).

和平 vs 融和

Both involve harmony.

Yuuwa refers to the blending or softening of relations between groups (like racial harmony). Wahei is specifically about stopping a conflict.

民族融和 (Racial harmony) vs 和平案 (Peace proposal).

Sentence Patterns

A1

和平を [verb]。

和平をねがいます。

A2

[Country] は 和平を [verb]。

日本は和平を求めました。

B1

和平 [Noun] が [verb]。

和平交渉がはじまりました。

B2

和平への [Noun] は [adjective]。

和平への道は遠いです。

C1

和平を [verb] ために、[action]。

和平を実現するために、努力します。

C2

和平の [Noun] が [verb] ことは、[consequence]。

和平の合意が守られないことは、悲劇です。

B1

和平の [Noun] を [verb]。

和平の仲介を務める。

B2

和平に [verb]。

和平に踏み切る。

Word Family

Nouns

和平交渉
和平案
和平条約

Verbs

和平する (rarely used)
和解する
平和にする

Adjectives

平和な (heiwa-na)

Related

和 (wa)
平 (hei)
和合 (wagou)
融和 (yuuwa)
講和 (kouwa)

How to Use It

frequency

Common in news, rare in daily life.

Common Mistakes
  • Using 和平 for a quiet room. 平和 (heiwa)

    和平 is for ending wars, not for quiet atmospheres.

  • Saying 和平な人 (a peaceful person). 平和な人 (heiwa-na hito)

    Wahei is not used as a 'na-adjective' for personality.

  • Using 和平 for making up with a friend. 和解 (wakai)

    Wahei is too formal for personal relationships.

  • Confusing 和平 with 講和 in legal documents. 講和 (kouwa)

    Kouwa is the specific legal term for ending a state of war.

  • Using 和平 to mean 'silence'. 静か (shizuka)

    Wahei implies the resolution of conflict, not just the absence of sound.

Tips

News Context

When you hear 'Wahei' on the news, it almost always refers to international conflicts like those in the Middle East.

Noun Status

Treat 'Wahei' as a strict noun. It doesn't take 'na' or 'no' to become an adjective easily like 'Heiwa' does.

History

In historical dramas, 'Wahei' is often a desperate move to save a clan from being wiped out.

Kanji Order

Remember: Wa (Harmony) comes first to fix the conflict, then things become Hei (Flat/Quiet).

Wahei vs Heiwa

Wahei is the 'bridge,' Heiwa is the 'destination.' Use Wahei for the process.

Formal Writing

Using 'Wahei' in an essay about global issues will significantly boost your score for vocabulary sophistication.

Compound Recognition

Train your ears to hear 'Wahei-koushou' as one block. It's the most common way the word is used.

Diplomatic Tone

When using 'Wahei,' adopt a serious tone. It's not a lighthearted word.

Legal Nuance

Use 'Kouwa' for legal treaties and 'Wahei' for the general diplomatic goal.

JLPT Tip

If you see 'Wahei' in a reading passage, expect the theme to be international relations or history.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'WA' as a 'Wave' of 'HEI' (Hay). You throw hay on the waves of war to flatten them out into peace.

Visual Association

Visualize two angry samurai putting down their swords and sitting on a perfectly flat (平) wooden floor to have tea (和).

Word Web

Diplomacy Treaty Negotiation War End Ceasefire Restoration UN

Challenge

Try to find the word '和平' in a Japanese news article today. Look for it specifically in the 'International' section.

Word Origin

Composed of two Kanji: '和' (Harmony/Japan) and '平' (Flat/Equal/Peace). It originated from classical Chinese texts where it meant restoring order.

Original meaning: Restoring harmony to a flat, balanced state after chaos.

Sino-Japanese (Kango).

Cultural Context

Be careful when discussing '和平' in sensitive political contexts, as the word implies a compromise which might be controversial.

English speakers often just say 'peace,' but Japanese requires you to choose between the state (heiwa) and the process (wahei).

San Francisco Peace Treaty (サンフランシスコ平和条約 - note that 'heiwa' is used in the title, but 'wahei' is used in the negotiations). NHK News 7 (frequent usage). Nobel Peace Prize (ノーベル平和賞).

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

International News

  • 和平交渉が難航している
  • 和平合意に署名した
  • 和平プロセスを支える
  • 和平案を提示する

History Class

  • 和平条約を結んだ
  • 和平工作が行われた
  • 和平の使いを送る
  • 和平を模索した

Political Debate

  • 和平への障壁
  • 和平の実現可能性
  • 和平を維持する努力
  • 和平を最優先する

Documentaries

  • 和平への長い道のり
  • 和平の礎となった人々
  • 和平を願う声
  • 和平の兆しが見える

Strategy Games

  • 和平を申し入れる
  • 和平を拒否する
  • 和平の条件
  • 和平を維持する

Conversation Starters

"中東の和平交渉についてどう思いますか? (What do you think about the Middle East peace negotiations?)"

"歴史の中で一番重要な和平条約は何だと思いますか? (What do you think is the most important peace treaty in history?)"

"どうすれば世界に和平をもたらすことができるでしょうか? (How can we bring peace to the world?)"

"和平と平和の違いを説明できますか? (Can you explain the difference between wahei and heiwa?)"

"最近、和平に関するニュースを見ましたか? (Have you seen any news regarding peace recently?)"

Journal Prompts

もしあなたが外交官なら、どのように和平交渉を進めますか? (If you were a diplomat, how would you proceed with peace negotiations?)

和平を実現するために、個人ができることは何だと思いますか? (What do you think individuals can do to realize peace?)

和平という言葉から連想するイメージを書いてください。 (Write about the images you associate with the word 'wahei'.)

戦争が終わる時、人々の心にはどのような和平が訪れるでしょうか。 (When a war ends, what kind of peace comes to people's hearts?)

あなたが知っている歴史的な和平の瞬間について説明してください。 (Explain a historical moment of peace that you know.)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, you should use 'Odayaka' or 'Heiwa-na hito.' 'Wahei' is for political peace between groups.

Yes, in many Japanese Bible translations, 'Wahei' is used for reconciliation between God and man or between peoples.

It means 'Peace Proposal' (和平 + 案). It's a document suggesting terms to end a war.

It is grammatically possible but very rare. People usually say '和平を実現する' (realize peace) or '和平を結ぶ' (conclude peace).

It can be a male given name (e.g., Wahei Takeda), often written with different kanji but the same reading.

'Wa' means harmony. It's the core concept of bringing clashing sides into a balanced state.

Yes, it typically appears at the N2 or N1 levels because of its formal and political nature.

You can say '和平条約' (Wahei Jouyaku) or '講和条約' (Kouwa Jouyaku). Both are correct.

The most direct opposite is 'Sensou' (War) or 'Funsou' (Conflict).

Only if your business is having a massive 'war' with another company. Otherwise, use 'Wakai' (reconciliation) for small disputes.

Test Yourself 200 questions

writing

Translate: 'Both countries reached a peace agreement.'

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writing

Translate: 'I pray for peace.'

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writing

Translate: 'The road to peace is long.'

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writing

Translate: 'Peace negotiations have begun.'

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writing

Translate: 'We must realize peace.'

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writing

Translate: 'The UN mediated peace.'

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writing

Translate: 'A peace proposal was submitted.'

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writing

Translate: 'Signs of peace can be seen.'

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writing

Translate: 'Maintain peace.'

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writing

Translate: 'The quest for peace.'

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writing

Translate: 'Lasting peace.'

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writing

Translate: 'Peace maneuvers.'

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writing

Translate: 'A historical step toward peace.'

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writing

Translate: 'Peace talks broke down.'

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writing

Translate: 'The foundation of peace.'

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writing

Translate: 'Implementation of the peace agreement.'

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writing

Translate: 'The driving force for peace.'

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writing

Translate: 'Fragile balance of peace.'

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writing

Translate: 'Call for peace.'

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writing

Translate: 'Reject peace.'

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speaking

Pronounce 'Wahei-koushou' clearly.

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speaking

Say 'I wish for peace' in Japanese.

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speaking

Say 'The road to peace is long' in Japanese.

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speaking

Explain the difference between 'Wahei' and 'Heiwa' in Japanese.

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speaking

Roleplay: You are a news anchor reporting a peace agreement.

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speaking

Say 'Peace negotiations have started' in Japanese.

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speaking

Say 'We need a peace proposal' in Japanese.

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speaking

Say 'I believe in the realization of peace' in Japanese.

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speaking

Say 'The UN is mediating peace' in Japanese.

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speaking

Say 'A historical step toward peace' in Japanese.

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speaking

Say 'Peace is important' in Japanese.

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speaking

Say 'Seeking peace' in Japanese.

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speaking

Say 'Lasting peace' in Japanese.

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speaking

Say 'Signs of peace' in Japanese.

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speaking

Say 'Call for peace' in Japanese.

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speaking

Say 'Reject peace' in Japanese.

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speaking

Say 'Peace process' in Japanese.

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speaking

Say 'Foundation of peace' in Japanese.

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speaking

Say 'Peace envoy' in Japanese.

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speaking

Say 'Peace maneuvers' in Japanese.

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listening

Listen to the sentence: '両国は和平への道を歩み始めた。' What did they start?

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listening

Listen: '和平交渉が決裂しました。' Did the talks succeed or fail?

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listening

Listen: '和平案を提示した。' What was presented?

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listening

Listen: '一刻も早い和平を願う。' When is peace wanted?

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listening

Listen: '和平工作が裏で行われている。' Where is it happening?

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listening

Listen: '和平の兆しが見える。' What is visible?

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listening

Listen: '和平条約に署名した。' What was signed?

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listening

Listen: '和平の仲介に入る。' What is the person doing?

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listening

Listen: '和平の礎を築く。' What are they building?

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listening

Listen: '和平プロセスを支える。' What are they supporting?

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listening

Listen: '和平を求める。' What do they want?

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listening

Listen: '和平交渉が難航している。' Are the talks easy or hard?

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listening

Listen: '和平への期待が高まる。' What is rising?

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listening

Listen: '和平が成立した。' Did peace happen?

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listening

Listen: '和平を維持する。' What are they doing?

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/ 200 correct

Perfect score!

Related Content

This Word in Other Languages

More Politics words

棄権

B2

The act of voluntarily giving up a right, or choosing not to vote or participate in a competition or event one was entitled to join.

同盟

A1

A formal agreement or treaty between two or more parties, organizations, or nations to cooperate for specific purposes. It implies a strong bond where members support each other to achieve mutual goals or defense.

官僚

A1

A high-ranking government official or civil servant who works in a ministry or administrative body. They are typically career professionals responsible for policy implementation and governance.

情勢

A1

Refers to the current state of affairs or the prevailing situation, particularly regarding politics, society, or the economy. It describes how circumstances are shifting or developing at a given moment.

紛争

A1

A dispute or conflict between individuals, groups, or nations, often regarding rights, territory, or resources. It refers to both legal disagreements and armed struggles that are not yet classified as full-scale wars.

議員

A1

A member of a legislative assembly or parliament who has been elected to represent the public. It refers to someone who participates in formal discussions and decision-making processes within the government.

主導

B2

Taking the lead or initiative in an activity, project, or organization. It describes who has the power or influence to guide a process.

連盟

A1

A formal organization formed by a group of people or entities that have joined together for a common purpose. It is typically translated as 'federation', 'league', or 'alliance' and is frequently used in sports, politics, and industry associations.

大臣

A1

A high-ranking government official who is the head of a specific department or ministry. In the Japanese government, these ministers are part of the Cabinet and are appointed by the Prime Minister.

国家

A1

A formal term referring to a country as a sovereign political entity or 'the state'. It describes a nation in terms of its government, borders, and legal system rather than just a geographical place.

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